The Israeli army has issued a statement instructing Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah, indicating a potential imminent ground invasion. Residents have been directed to relocate to Muwasi, a designated humanitarian area near the coast. The army has expanded its assistance efforts in the region, providing field hospitals, tents, food, and water to support the evacuees.
This development comes amidst ongoing cease-fire negotiations and in anticipation of a long-anticipated ground offensive aimed at rooting out remaining Hamas militants. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant recently expressed doubts about Hamas' commitment to a peaceful resolution and warned of an impending military operation in Rafah.
The escalation follows an attack by Hamas on Israel's primary aid crossing, resulting in the tragic loss of three Israeli soldiers. Tensions have been mounting in the region, with both sides preparing for potential further confrontations.
